Ruud-Jan Kokke Slat Chair, the Netherlands, 1986 (sold)
Ruud-Jan Kokke Slat Chair, the Netherlands, 1986 (sold)
Designed by Ruud-Jan Kokke, this slat chair was produced by the Dutch manufacturer Spectrum, in 1986 as part of their series called “Kokke-Chairs”.
The frame is manually assembled and it is made of oak, while the resilient slats are made of sprung ashwood. The slats that comprise the seat and backrest cross in a refined manner, showing the creative design of Kokke and the precision of the manufacturer.
In line with Kokke’s design philosophy, this chair is strong and comfortable, produced with refined technique. The Kokke slat chairs exemplify that a thorough knowledge of materials paired with well thought out construction benefit the form. This model is particularly successful in reaching a balance between material, form and functionality.
This chair model is included in various museum collections, including the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, Museum für Angewandte Kunst in Cologne, and the Design Museum in Copenhagen.
The model was reintroduced by Spectrum in 2011 and is currently being manufactured in small series.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
20.08 in W x 20.48 in D x 28.94 in H; Seat height 16.15 in
51 cm W x 52 cm D x 73.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm
About the designer:
Ruud-Jan Kokke was born in 1956 in Velp, The Netherlands. He completed his studies at the Social Academy in Enschede and the Academy of Visual Arts in Arnhem. In 1986, Kokke established his own design firm, Ruud-Jan Kokke Product & Design, commonly only referred to as ‘Kokke’. Since the establishment of his firm, Kokke’s furniture designs have been produced by companies such as Spectrum, Mobach and Kembo.
His first interior designs date from the 1990s and have established the designer as a prominent figure in contemporary Dutch design. In addition to autonomous products, Ruud-Jan also collaborates with other designers for the décor of schools, companies, government buildings and public areas. His designs can be found in the Chabot Museum, the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, and many of Arnhem’s public spaces, including the Arnhem Museum.
Kokke has a strong and articulated design philosophy that revolves around the balance of simplicity and functionality. Despite – or perhaps actually because – their simplicity and obviousness, his designs inevitably attract the attention. His designs present high technical and visual quality with an inventive character. Kokke’s work has been awarded many times, both nationally and internationally. Several of his designs have already been characterized as design classics and are included in the collections of the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Derived from the French "brut", meaning raw, Brutalism describes the architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century, featuring minimalist constructions that showcase bare materials and structural elements over decorative design. It originated post–World War II, when low-cost housing and government buildings were composed of mainly raw, unrefined materials. Similarly, in furniture design, Brutalism inspired creators to follow the same look of deliberate simplicity, honesty and strength.
This armchair stands as evidence why many European architects succeeded at the craft of furniture design; the precision of the structure and the rush weaving is evident at first glance, showing great geometric order. Driven by function, the designer’s focus was evidently on practicality, structural stability, and construction in favour of these principles. The straight lines and the absence of excess decoration are very typical of the era’s designers, who saw possibilities in the aesthetics of modernist design and materials. This beautiful chair’s simplicity and honest look combined with brutalist influences enhances the exceptional craftsmanship. The woven back and upholstered seat gives the piece an organic and cosy impression, all while staying very functional. It is perfect to bring natural charm to a minimalist space. The oak has a beautiful patina due to its age, feature that enhances even more its charm.
Its bold, unapologetic aesthetic resonates with those seeking a departure from the sleek minimalism of recent years. This armchair serves as both an homage to the past and a testament to the timeless allure of Brutalism.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the item has marks, and scratches. The arms show discolouration. The seat cushion has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
25.19 in W x 27.95 in D x 26.77 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Seat depth 20.86 in; Arm height 23.62 in
64 cm W x 71 cm D x 68 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Seat depth 53 cm; Arm height 60 cm